Frank Healy

HEALY, Frank A. (Hank) Reporter, The Canadian Press; War Correspondent, Royal Canadian Navy; PR Executive (b. Toronto, 1920) Peacefully, age 86, Sept. 13, 2006 at the Perley Rideau, Ottawa. A Lieutenant (Navy) during World War II, his compelling stories often appeared on front pages of daily newspapers across Canada. After the war, he worked as a successful PR executive in Windsor, Montreal, and Toronto. He retired in Ottawa with Industry Canada (CGOT) in 1984. He was a gentle, loving and kind man with a sharp intellect and keen sense of humour. Radio broadcaster (CKBY) and writer (Slice of Life) under the name of "Hank Frealy" in retirement, he leaves a treasure trove of stories and written anecdotes. Hank married the love of his life, Mickie Hanson (b. 12/16/1923 Brandon, MB, d. 12/29/2002, Ottawa), a WREN, in London, England (9/9/44). Survived by six grateful children: Francie (Westport, Tom Roberts), Mike (Markham, Sonia (Chang)), Chris (Ottawa, Sandra (Johnston)), Joe (Red Deer), Mary Margaret (Osgoode, Ross Cruikshank) and Frank, Jr. (Ottawa); fourteen grandchildren: (Francie) Simon Miller (Oakville, Lori (Brown)), Adam Thompson (Vancouver, Renee (Richmond)), Ashley (Thompson) Graham (Calgary, Johnathan Graham), Caleb Thompson (Calgary); foster-grandchildren Kerrie, Robbie & Charlie Thompson (Kingston); (Mike) Christopher and Sarah; (Chris) John (S. Korea), Ben (Ottawa, Chloe (Gendron)) and Alex (Ottawa); (Mary Margaret) Carolyn, Joe and Michael (Ottawa); and nine great-grandchildren: (Simon) Libby and Zeke (New Baby Miller expected any day); (Adam) Aiden; (Ashley) Dylan, Ethan & Seth; (Ben) Michael and Heidi. Fourth child of Henry Joseph (d. 1970) and Mary Ellen (Lee) (d. 1973), he spent his happy childhood at 5 Chester Avenue and summers in Atherley on Uncle Martin's farm; his children and their cousins still have many fond memories of countless family occasions at Belle Isle in Muskoka and at 5 Chester. Pre-deceased by Wilfred (1989), Margaret (2003) and Mary Bridget (Betty) (1919). He attended Holy Name School, St. Michael's Choir School, and St. Michael's High School. The family will celebrate his life on "Hanksgiving" Monday, Oct. 9, at the Perley Rideau Veterans' Health Centre from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (2nd Rideau South). Donations to the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre Foundation foundation@prvhc.com; www.prvhc.com who so lovingly cared for Hank. Email tributes to francie4@rideau.net. Tributes will be posted to www.thatsthenews.com \HankAndMickie.